Newsstand: Michigan OL did not expect position switch upon arrival
Michigan football has been thoroughly dominant in its first 3 weeks of game action, but it has not been without concerns. The offensive line has been a bit inconsistent against some light non-conference games, but there has been one standout.
Sophomore guard Giovanni El-Hadi has been called into action with injuries up front and has played admirably. His first few games of legitimate snaps and playing time have been a crash course in all aspects of his game.
“Just getting used to the speed versus someone else,” he told the media on Monday afternoon. “Being able to hit someone else in a different jersey, to be honest with you. Footwork, reading coverages, reading the safety rotation, calling out.”
Playing on the interior of the offensive line was not always in the cards. He played tackle in high school, but a conversation with offensive line coach Sherrone Moore upon his arrival changed the plan.
“When I first came here, [Ed] Warinner was the coach, and he wanted me to play tackle,” he said. “Me and Coach Moore had a long talk, and I was ready for it. Wherever they wanted for me to help the team win, I was ready. At first it took a lot to get used to the left side, because I played the right side my whole life.”
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Michigan is hearing the noise about not playing a strong opponent through 3 weeks of the season. El-Hadi and his Wolverine teammates are ready to keep their dominant streak going in conference play.
“I just can’t wait to show everybody,” El-Hadi said. “I think we were versing lesser teams, not as much strength, they’re not as good — it’s still D-I football, you know? Can’t wait to show it in the Big Ten. About to kill it.”
El-Hadi and his Michigan teammates will take the field for the Big Ten opener on Saturday at noon against Maryland. The broadcast will be carried on FOX as part of its Big Noon Saturday coverage.
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Michigan football quote of the day
Multiple-front, multiple-coverage. Trying to get tips. Trying to find edges. Very solid. They’ve put together an extremely solid football team. We’re going to have to play good, it’s going to come down to that. We’re going to have to play good, like any game, especially now. Especially going against a good team like Maryland, especially playing the Big Ten opener. The race is on, gotta play good.
– Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on the challenges of the Maryland offense
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